TEAM NEWS | Saracens Men v London Irish
Dom Morris says it is a huge privilege as he prepares to make his 50th appearance for Saracens on Sunday afternoon.
Just a week after signing a new contract with the club, he will reach a landmark when Sarries welcome London Irish to StoneX Stadium in the European Rugby Challenge Cup.
Director of Rugby Mark McCall has named a strong side for what is a must-win game if his team are to eye up a place in the knockout stages.
Mako Vunipola will captain the team and he is joined by Tom Woolstencroft and Vincent Koch in the front-row, whilst Maro Itoje is paired with Callum Hunter-Hill in the second-row.
In-form Theo McFarland starts in the number six shirt, with Andy Christie at number seven after a memorable week for him which included a call-up to the Scotland squad. Billy Vunipola as ever will line up at number eight.
Ivan van Zyl keeps his place at scrum-half and there is a start for Manu Vunipola at fly-half, with Dom Morris and Nick Tompkins in the midfield.
Alex Lewington is on the left wing, Sean Maitland will occupy the right and the versatile Elliot Daly moves to full-back.
On the bench there is a real blend of youth and experience, with internationals such as Jamie George, Eroni Mawi and Alex Lozowski waiting to feature as well as the likes of Harvey Beaton and Ben Harris.
Morris, who is a boyhood Sarries fan says it is a dream to run out for a 50th time.
“It’s a massive privilege to win 50 caps. I grew up supporting Saracens so it’s a great honour for me.
We know this is an important game for us and have had a big week of preparation so we’re very excited to get out there.”
Saracens Men team to play London Irish:
1 Mako Vunipola (c)
2 Tom Woolstencroft
3 Vincent Koch
4 Maro Itoje
5 Callum Hunter-Hill
6 Theo McFarland
7 Andy Christie
8 Billy Vunipola
9 Ivan van Zyl
10 Manu Vunipola
11 Alex Lewington
12 Dom Morris
13 Nick Tompkins
14 Sean Maitland
15 Elliot Daly
Replacements:
16 Jamie George
17 Eroni Mawi
18 Harvey Beaton
19 Janco Venter
20 Sean Reffell
21 Ruben de Haas
22 Alex Lozowski
23 Ben Harris